Caprivi Cabins

(8 chalets) PO Box 2029, Ngwezi–Katima Mulilo; tel: 066 252288 or 252295; fax: 066 253158 Run by Trix van der Spuy, and well-signposted about 800m off the main road just east of the Zambezi Lodge, Caprivi Cabins opened over six years ago, and remains very good value. Outside its thatched chalets are set in inviting lawn areas. Inside the chalets have cool stone floors, twin beds with quilts, stocked minibar/fridges, clean tiled bathrooms, and even direct-dial telephones. The lodge seems to welcome children, offering to set up small igloo tents outside the chalets of parents.

Locals in Katima have discovered the cuisine on offer here, which is served in a large dining area with high thatched ceiling, TV, bar, and a captivating fish tank. (For evening meals starters are around N$15, main courses about N$40–50 for steaks with chips and vegetables.) So don't expect the place all to yourself.

For most of the year there is also the option of an open thatched area with tables overlooking the Zambezi. The energetic can use the small gym and plunge pool, or allow Trix to arrange fishing trips on the river, using the small twin-engined boat that is moored at the cabins. Caprivi Cabins is a super place to stop, provided its standards remain as high.